24 May 2010
Shailesh Vara, MP for North West Cambridgeshire, cut a ribbon to formally open the new Oaklands Playground at Wistow Playing Fields on Saturday 22nd May.

As well as the new play equipment, there was be a bouncy castle and various stalls, with activities running between 12 noon and 3pm. Various village groups attended the event, including the local Women’s Institute and the Village Hall Committee.

The playground has been built using a £30,000 grant from the Department of Children Schools and Families, awarded after a successful bid was made by local Councillors and residents.

The bid process started in June last year and included extensive consultation with the local community, including with the local children. The children were even involved in the interview process when it came to deciding on a preferred supplier for the scheme.

The contract was awarded to Leisure Logs Ltd of Hertfordshire, who have supplied and installed all the new equipment.

Mr Vara said:

“I was delighted to open the new playground in Wistow. I know that special effort was made to put on a party atmosphere it was a fun day out, with glorious weather.

“The community worked really hard to secure funding for the project and I hope that the local children enjoy their new play equipment. A huge thanks is due to everybody who made this project a reality. This is a great example of the local community working together.”

Photo: Shailesh Vara opens the new Oaklands Playground at Wistow Playing Fields